Bob Jones, 90, Galatia, has had a varied career from roller skating rinks to feed stores to preaching.

Encouraged by family and friends, he decided to put some of those experiences on paper and produced the autobiography “The Good and Bad of Ninety Plus Years: My Memories.”

He holds a book signing 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 8 at Harrisburg District Library to share 90 years of experiences.

“I’ve been around,” he said.

Jones began his years on a farm west of Walpole in Hamilton County.

“Then we moved to the big town of Walpole,” Jones said.

His family operated Homer Jones and Sons General Merchandise which Jones left when he joined the Army at the beginning of World War II.

Stationed in Wisconsin, Jones continued in the merchandise business in charge of the Company Px store.

“Then they organized an enlisted men’s club and put me in charge as steward of the club,” Jones said.

Jones did not serve overseas during the war, but did travel once the war was over transporting prisoners of war.

“After the war was over I helped deliver Japanese and Korean prisoners to the Hawaiian islands and picked up Italian prisoners in the islands and took them to Naples, Italy,” Jones said.

Jones’ travels took him from California to Hawaii through the Panama Canal to Italy, then back to New Jersey. After four years he was discharged.

Following the Army Jones worked for Ozark Airlines in the St. Louis area, worked in the construction business in Belleville building houses and found himself in the roller skating rink business. He ran roller rinks in McLeansboro, Sparta and East St. Louis.

“I owned rinks in each of those towns,” Jones said.

In 1955 Jones found himself at home in Galatia owning Jones Feed and Farm Supply and Galatia Grain Company.

It was in Galatia Jones heard the call of another responsibility.

“During that time I answered the call to preach,” Jones said.

For years he pastored churches and over the past 17 years has ministered to the inmates of Illinois Youth Center in Harrisburg. He is currently an elder at Little Chapel Church.

Now he can add writing to his list of experiences.

Urged on by his three children and friends, Jones decided to share his experiences.

“Three of my friends at church encouraged me to put my memories down in a book,” Jones said.

“It was in the process for two years.”

Those unable to make Jones’ book signing may call him at 841-9922 to arrange to buy a copy.